Brian Johnston.
Snobby wine waiters, sneaky sleazeballs... some characters can sure ruin your holiday, writes
Travel can be all about meeting people, sharing stories and experiences. However, the following 10 types of characters are probably best avoided, if you can, on your travels
Egypt pyramid touts
Young men at the pyramids outside Cairo are infamous for harassment and well practised in deceptive arts. No, the site isn’t closed, you don’t have to rent a carriage and that bust of King Tut isn’t authentic. Block your ears, and keep walking.
American bellhops
Staff with their hands out, expecting a tip for doing things easily done yourself (wheeling a suitcase, finding the elevators, locating your light switches) are the bane of hotel arrivals and departures in America. Hurry in the opposite direction.
Kuala Lumpur taxi drivers
Only divine intervention will find you a taxi meter in Malaysia’s capital that isn’t mysteriously ‘‘broken’’. Drivers overcharge and take circuitous routes to bump up fares. Establish an upfront fee and keep a beady eye on your route.
Barcelona pickpockets
Pickpockets and bag-snatchers, denizens of heavily touristed zones such as metro stations, Las Ramblas and cafe´ -filled squares, are seldom violent but an omnipresent annoyance. Only carry what you need, and be vigilant in crowds.
French sommeliers
French vineyards are so minute and so numerous that nobody could be conversant with a 20-page wine list, let alone what matches escargots. Still, sommeliers will bamboozle you with spurious jargon and superiority. Order a Coke instead, and enjoy the reaction.
Bangkok tuk-tuk drivers
Tuk-tuks are sadly fading away, and the remaining ones are commandeered by drivers who target tourists, saying your sightseeing destination is closed then taking you to overpriced shops. Be wary, or hail a taxi.
Japanese karaoke singers
Yes, it’s a cultural experience, but be aware that karaoke means ‘‘empty orchestra’’ and you’re expected to supply the entire trumpet section – and haul inebriated businessmen onto the subway afterwards. Limber up your vocal cords.
Iranian English students
Iranians are the loveliest people, but the English-language practitioners hanging out in